PROPOSALS to introduce free Sunday car parking on a six month trial basis have been thrown out by the district council’s cabinet.
A report on parking in Bromsgrove was put forward to members on Wednesday (January 4).
The income generated from Sunday parking between April and September, in 2014, was just over £30,000 through the pay and display and pay on foot systems – which means the change would create shortfall which would need to be made up elsewhere.
The review also recommended the introduction of a pay on foot system in town centre’s car parks wherever possible.
The estimated cost per car park would be between £150,000 and £200,000.
As well as this a request was also made for a car parking permit scheme for residents over 65 to be reintroduced in order to encourage people to visit the town centre on a more regular basis.
That matter will now go back before the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Coun Mark Bullivant said the car park review was too short and did not take into account the new developments coming to Bromsgrove.
He added there was a possibility of some very exciting new things coming into the town and he felt officers’ time and taxpayer’s money would be wasted on changing the current parking arrangements.
Coun Bullivant said the recommendations were premature and it would be better to wait and assess the situation and make changes after the developments had arrived in the town.
“Certainly there is a high demand for car parking spaces in the town especially the short stay ones.” he added.
“We want to get the best value for money for the people of Bromsgrove.
“This would waste officers’ time as we would have to change it now and again later – wasting a considerable amount of money.”
Coun Luke Mallett said it was disappointing the cabinet had given little ‘proper’ or ‘sensible consideration’ to the detailed work carried out on the cross-party investigation.
He added the car parking trial was welcome as it gave Bromsgrove businesses the opportunity to increase trade on a Sunday.
“It is quite clear from the report similar councils across the UK are offering concessions on Sunday parking to encourage additional trade into town centres.
“Evidence from our research shows this in turn would be good for jobs and growth in Bromsgrove.
“Unfortunately it seems the cabinet are not willing to even give proper consideration to the evidence coming forward on the impact of their parking charges on Bromsgrove town centre.”
